Galloway National Park Association’s press release as they head to the Scottish Parliament

This MSP briefing looks at the key areas of the two new Scottish Environment LINK reports, ‘Social and Economic Benefits of National Parks’ and ‘Farming in National Parks’.

A new report commissioned by Scottish Environment LINK lays out the benefits National Park status brings to farmers operating within them.

Cairngorms National Park demonstrate how the management of a national park is an inclusive, dynamic and participatory process where members of the public have influence over the decisions made. The Cairngorms National Park Authority are currently carrying out three public consultations.

A new report published today, commissioned by Scottish Environment LINK, considers the socio-economic benefits of Scotland’s National Parks for businesses working within them.

Find out about the proposal for a new National Park in Galloway, and opportunities to get your opinion heard.

In this blog Duncan MacRae introduces research developed by a task force of the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas proposing an initial lexicon of key terms related to area-based conservation approaches.

On 22nd July 2024, Mairi Gougeon MSP, the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands announced that Scottish Ministers were proposing Galloway for designation as a new National Park.

Later this year, the Scottish Government is set to bring forward a Natural Environment Bill which could include amendments to the National Parks (Scotland) Act 2000. Earlier this year Scottish Environment LINK released a report called “Protecting 30 percent of Scotland’s land for nature” which SCNP and APRS contributed to. It includes coverage of how National Parks can contribute to biodiversity recovery and meeting 30 by 30.

As we look at how National Parks can contribute to 30 by 30 in Scotland (see report from SE LINK), in this article we turn our attention to the 30 by 30 discussion in Wales. Howard Davies, Independent Chair of the Biodiversity Deep Dive – Designated Landscapes expert group provides an overview of how National Parks and National Landscapes in Wales have a crucial role to play in the delivery of 30 by 30 .

This position statement has been prepared by Campaign for National Parks and the Alliance for Welsh Designated Landscapes on the proposal for a new National Park in North East Wales

SCNP was delighted to welcome John Mayhew as its new Chair at the April 2024 AGM. Read more about John’s appointment and his views on new National Parks in Scotland

In May 2024, the Scottish Government reiterated its intention to designate at least one new National Park. Following the appointment of the new First Minister and a reshuffle of positions, the responsibility for National Parks now falls within the rural affairs portfolio, under the Cabinet Secretary, Mairi Gougeon MSP.

Recent public opinion polls show very strong support for new National Parks, and for their leadership role in nature recovery in Scotland.

An update on the new National Park process - where we are at April 2024

SCNP 2024 AGM and Workshop - National Parks - Their Future Role. 26th April 2024

The nominations process for Scotland’s next National Park closed yesterday (29th February). Read SCNP & APRS Joint Statement here…

According to a poll carried out by Survation on behalf of Blue Marine Foundation, the Scottish public want to see a new National Park for Scotland that includes coastal and marine areas. Read the Blue Marine press release…

Graham Barrow of SCNP provides a research report on international funding of National Parks. Are we missing a trick in Scotland?

The Scottish Government led a Technical Workshop for groups interested in nominating their area for National Park status. The selection of video recordings cover a variety of topics and give an overview of some of the key areas of interest for groups nominating their area for National Park status.